A £67.2 million financing package has been agreed to support the delivery of Harlech Court, a major 30-storey build-to-rent development currently under construction in Cardiff. Close Brothers Property Finance has provided the facility to Draycott Group for the 340-home residential scheme, which is set to become one of the tallest
Vistry has secured £350 million in government grant funding to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable housing across England outside London. The housebuilder has been named among 33 strategic partners selected by Homes England to support the Government’s new £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP), which will
Taylor Wimpey North Thames has now launched its new 191-home Rose Meadows development in Chiswell Green. The development will bring a range of three, four and five-bedroom homes to the community with prices starting from £665,000, providing a wide selection of house types to cater to a range of buyers
Plans for a major 425-home build-to-rent development alongside Cambridge North railway station have secured approval, paving the way for the next phase of the area’s wider regeneration. The Cambridge North Residential Quarter is being brought forward by blocwork, the joint venture between Network Rail property development company Platform4 and developer
Spitfire Homes’ multi-award-winning 250-home Ellenbrook collection has passed the halfway milestone, reinforcing its position as one of the Cotswolds’ standout new communities following sustained demand since its launch in 2024. The Moreton-in-Marsh scheme forms part of the exclusive Spitfire Homes Bespoke Collection and has maintained a sales rate well above
Plans have been submitted to the London Borough of Newham for the final phase of development at Stratford Cross. The proposals would deliver approximately 2,000 new homes including affordable housing, alongside a new public park, active ground-floor retail space and enhanced walking and cycling routes linking Stratford station, Queen Elizabeth
DFI has established a strong track record of delivering projects in the living sectors across Europe including residential for rent, student accommodation and co-living DFI, an independent pan-European private equity real estate platform, today announces the forward funding of an £80 million gross development value, 200-bed co-living development in Kingston
Lovell Partnerships is preparing to start construction on the first phase of a major residential regeneration scheme in Horsham, transforming the former Novartis Pharmaceuticals campus into a new neighbourhood of around 450 homes. Work is expected to begin in October on Lovell’s 206-home development across the 2.72-hectare site, with the
CCL Facades has been appointed to deliver a major façade package at Bicycle Works, the 331-home residential development forming the first phase of Wolverhampton’s wider Smithgate regeneration. The specialist façade contractor will work alongside parent company and lead contractor Caddick Construction on the scheme, which is being delivered for English
A major housing development is set to deliver 330 additional homes following a strategic re-plan and planning approval from Glasgow City Council. Set to be one of the largest regeneration schemes in the UK across multiple phases, top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, will increase its delivery from 834 homes to
A £67.2 million financing package has been agreed to support the delivery of Harlech Court, a major 30-storey build-to-rent development currently under construction in Cardiff. Close Brothers Property Finance has provided the facility to Draycott Group for the 340-home residential scheme, which is set to become one of the tallest buildings in Wales and make a significant addition to Cardiff’s evolving skyline. Construction is already progressing on site, with the main tower crane now installed. Intelle Construction is leading delivery as main contractor, while Stephenson RC Frames has been appointed as frame contractor. The development represents Draycott Group’s largest project to date and will provide 340 purpose-built rental homes within a high-rise scheme in the Welsh capital. The substantial funding agreement provides further momentum for the construction programme and demonstrates continued investment in Cardiff’s build-to-rent market as demand for professionally managed rental accommodation grows in major regional cities. Phil Hooper, CEO of Close Brothers Property Finance, said: “Harlech Court is exactly the type of scheme our Structured Finance team was set up to back: a landmark development in an excellent central location in a capital city that continues to see strong demand for quality rental stock.” For Draycott Group, Harlech Court builds on more than four decades of involvement in Cardiff’s residential and commercial property markets. Sajid Ghaffar, CEO of Draycott Group, said: “This is the largest scheme that we have delivered to date and it will transform the Cardiff city skyline. “Cardiff is a market we know extremely well, having been active in residential and commercial property development for over 40 years, and Harlech Court builds on that long-standing track record.” The project adds to the growing pipeline of build-to-rent development across the UK’s regional cities, where larger residential schemes are increasingly combining significant institutional and specialist development finance with high-density construction. With the tower crane now in position and the £67.2 million finance facility secured, construction at Harlech Court is set to gather pace as the 30-storey development begins to take its place on the Cardiff skyline. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Vistry has secured £350 million in government grant funding to accelerate the delivery of social and affordable housing across England outside London. The housebuilder has been named among 33 strategic partners selected by Homes England to support the Government’s new £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme (SAHP), which will provide long-term funding for housing delivery over the next decade. The agreement represents a significant funding boost for Vistry’s partnerships-led housing model and will support the delivery of new affordable homes alongside councils, housing associations and other registered providers. Vistry is one of relatively few private-sector housebuilders included among the strategic partners, with the majority of organisations selected for the programme comprising housing associations and local authorities. Collectively, the partnerships announced by Homes England are expected to support the creation of more than 73,000 new homes, providing greater long-term certainty for the affordable housing development pipeline. Vistry has worked with Homes England through successive affordable housing programmes for almost two decades and has established relationships with 29 of the other 32 strategic partners announced alongside the company. Adam Daniels, Chief Executive of Vistry, said: “Vistry has received direct grant funding awards under successive affordable homes programmes for nearly twenty years, and this award reflects our established track record and commitment to delivering much needed affordable homes in collaboration with Homes England and our partner providers. “We are delighted that Homes England has made this significant announcement that will create over 73,000 new homes and provide Vistry, its partners and the wider sector with a much-needed stimulus. “We already operate in all of the Established Mayoral Strategic Authorities and have established relationships with 29 of the 32 other strategic partners announced this morning. We look forward to continuing to work with Councils and Homes England to meet local ambitions to increase housing supply at pace.” The £350 million allocation comes at an important point for Vistry as the group continues to focus its business around partnership-led residential development and affordable housing. The company has recently warned that it expects to report a first-half pre-tax loss of around £30 million following a series of measures designed to strengthen cash generation and reset its balance sheet. Average daily net debt has approached £800 million, while around £50 million of charges are expected from measures including increased sales discounts, accelerated asset disposals and write-downs on lower-margin developments. Vistry has also prioritised faster payments to suppliers as part of the financial reset. Against this backdrop, the new Homes England funding provides greater visibility for Vistry and its partners over future affordable housing delivery. With £350 million allocated through the ten-year programme, the agreement gives Vistry a significant platform to work with local authorities and housing providers on new residential developments, supporting the Government’s wider ambition to increase the supply of social and affordable homes across the country. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Taylor Wimpey North Thames has now launched its new 191-home Rose Meadows development in Chiswell Green. The development will bring a range of three, four and five-bedroom homes to the community with prices starting from £665,000, providing a wide selection of house types to cater to a range of buyers from first-time buyers to growing families. The offering also includes 76 affordable homes. Rose Meadows will also comprise six self-build plots, as well as green open space, play areas and wildlife habitats. Taylor Wimpey’s development is part of a larger community that will eventually comprise up to 391 new homes and land for a new primary school. Each home at Rose Meadows will feature PV panels, triple glazing, smart heating, and EV charging to keep energy bills low and to allow for a sustainable lifestyle Paresh Pandya, Senior Sales Manager for Taylor Wimpey North Thames, said: “We are pleased to have launched our Chiswell Green development, Rose Meadows. Over 1,500 househunters registered their interest in the development before its launch, and we invite anyone looking to make a move to the area to get in touch with our friendly sales team to find out about the offers and incentives available to avoid disappointment.” To find out more about Rose Meadows, please visit www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/new-homes/st-albans/rose-meadows. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans for a major 425-home build-to-rent development alongside Cambridge North railway station have secured approval, paving the way for the next phase of the area’s wider regeneration. The Cambridge North Residential Quarter is being brought forward by blocwork, the joint venture between Network Rail property development company Platform4 and developer bloc. Grainger has been lined up to forward fund the residential scheme and will operate and manage the rental homes following completion. Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council have approved the proposals, unlocking the redevelopment of under-used railway land immediately next to Cambridge North station. The new neighbourhood will provide 425 one, two and three-bedroom apartments, supported by a substantial programme of landscaping and public realm improvements. Plans include linear parks, pocket gardens and tree-lined streets, alongside shops and other active ground-floor uses designed to create a more vibrant and connected residential community. The masterplan places particular emphasis on sustainable transport, with walking and cycling prioritised throughout the development. Its location next to Cambridge North station will also give residents direct rail connections into central Cambridge, London and destinations across the wider region. The residential quarter represents the latest stage in the transformation of Cambridge North, building on earlier phases of Brookgate’s masterplan for the area. Previous development has included a 217-room hotel alongside new commercial accommodation, with major businesses including Samsung establishing a presence at Cambridge North. The latest approval is also significant for Platform4, which identified Cambridge North as one of four priority schemes when the government-backed property company launched last November. Platform4 has been established with a remit to accelerate the delivery of new homes and regeneration opportunities on publicly owned railway land, using transport-connected sites to support housing growth and create new mixed-use neighbourhoods. Andrew Ferguson, interim chief executive of Platform4 and director of blocwork, said: “This is great news and the positive decision allows us to bring under-used railway land into active use.” The scheme demonstrates the growing role of transport-led development in delivering new housing, with the combination of build-to-rent homes, landscaping, commercial uses and strong public transport connections intended to create a sustainable residential quarter around one of Cambridge’s key transport hubs. With planning approval now secured, the 425-home development can progress towards its next stages as the wider Cambridge North masterplan continues to take shape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Spitfire Homes’ multi-award-winning 250-home Ellenbrook collection has passed the halfway milestone, reinforcing its position as one of the Cotswolds’ standout new communities following sustained demand since its launch in 2024. The Moreton-in-Marsh scheme forms part of the exclusive Spitfire Homes Bespoke Collection and has maintained a sales rate well above the national average, meeting sustained demand for rural new homes in a location celebrated for its character, connectivity and countryside setting. A reflection of Spitfire’s thoughtful approach to design, the two- to five-bedroom homes are arranged across four character areas influenced by the Cotswolds’ vernacular, combining distinctive architecture with a future-focused specification. The scheme has also supported an estimated 868 jobs, alongside an investment of £5.5 million into the local community, helping to strengthen the local economy. Set to be fully occupied by 2028, Ellenbrook’s quality credentials have been recognised through multiple industry accolades, including two Silver and one Bronze award at last year’s WhatHouse? Awards. Senior Site Manager Josh Taylor was also awarded the Seal of Excellence at the NHBC Pride in the Job Awards, with continued recognition in 2026 following a further Quality Award win. The collection has also played an important role in supporting local people onto the property ladder, with a selection of homes offered through the Discounted Market Value and First Homes schemes, options taken by many homeowners to stay living locally in a sought-after area where house prices exceed the national average. One of Ellenbrook’s earliest homeowners, Catherine, shared her thoughts on life within the community: “We’ve had four new builds, and this is by far the best home we’ve ever owned. We absolutely love the house, we love the estate, and I think we’ve finally found our forever home at Ellenbrook. Being one of the first residents here, it’s been brilliant watching the community grow around us. It really does feel like a proper neighbourhood now.” Each home captures the character of the Cotswolds while embracing a forward-thinking sustainable specification, including air source heat pumps and underfloor heating as standard. Residents also benefit from a carefully considered setting with direct access to the historic Diamond Way footpath, connecting the community to the surrounding countryside and nearby Cotswold towns. The collection’s award success builds on Spitfire Homes’ wider reputation for delivering premium, design-led homes, supported by the housebuilder retaining its 5-Star Customer Satisfaction Rating from the Home Builders Federation in both 2025 and 2026. Operations Director, Matt Vincent, said: “Reaching the halfway milestone at Ellenbrook is a proud moment and a powerful endorsement of the quality of this multi-award-winning collection. Its sales performance, industry recognition and growing community all speak to what Spitfire does best: creating distinctive, design-led places that enhance their setting and that people are genuinely proud to call home.” For more information on Ellenbrook please visit https://spitfirehomes.co.uk/find-your-home/ellenbrook/ Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans have been submitted to the London Borough of Newham for the final phase of development at Stratford Cross. The proposals would deliver approximately 2,000 new homes including affordable housing, alongside a new public park, active ground-floor retail space and enhanced walking and cycling routes linking Stratford station, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the surrounding neighbourhoods. Building on Stratford Cross’s established commercial, cultural and educational district, the plans would introduce a new residential community at the heart of the destination. Developed following engagement with local people and stakeholders, the proposals respond to community feedback by providing more green, public spaces that can be enjoyed throughout the day. Stratford Cross is part of the Impact Partnership Joint Venture between Lendlease and The Crown Estate. The partnership aims to deliver a range of uses across the UK, including up to 9,000 homes in its first phase. The new homes would include a mix of homes including affordable housing, market housing, student accommodation and co-living homes, supporting a broad range of housing needs while strengthening Stratford’s growing education, innovation and cultural cluster. Over recent years, Stratford Cross has emerged as a destination for business, education and culture. Home to the landmark Turing Building and located alongside the East Bank cultural quarter, the neighbourhood has attracted leading organisations and institutions. Most recently, Arden University committed to 94,000 square feet within the Turing Building, further reinforcing Stratford Cross’s position as a hub for learning, creativity and innovation. Situated between Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Westfield Stratford City, Stratford Cross benefits from exceptional transport connectivity. Stratford station provides access to the Elizabeth line, Jubilee and Central lines, DLR, National Rail and high-speed rail services, connecting residents, workers and visitors with destinations across London and beyond. The development would also continue Stratford Cross’s contribution to the local economy, creating jobs, training opportunities and community benefits. To date, the project has generated £13.9 million in local construction wages and supported more than 7,700 local people through construction and end-use employment, apprenticeships and training initiatives. Nearly 7,000 further people have been supported through VSCE and community partnerships, with £18.4 million of social value generated across the development of Stratford Cross. Jason Oliver, Development Director at Lendlease, said: “Stratford has evolved into one of London’s most dynamic destinations for culture, education, innovation and business. This final phase is about building on that success and creating a neighbourhood where people can live alongside the workplaces, institutions and attractions that have helped establish Stratford Cross as a unique part of east London.” Subject to planning approval, construction is expected to commence in 2028, with the final phase anticipated to take approximately three years to complete. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
DFI has established a strong track record of delivering projects in the living sectors across Europe including residential for rent, student accommodation and co-living DFI, an independent pan-European private equity real estate platform, today announces the forward funding of an £80 million gross development value, 200-bed co-living development in Kingston upon Thames, London, through an off-market transaction. London focused developer Viewranks Estates will deliver the project for DFI under a forward funding agreement. The project, which has full planning permission and Gateway 2 approval, is located next to Kingston Train Station, a 30-minute train ride away from Central London. The area is experiencing significant undersupply of housing, with strong rental demand from young professionals and students, particularly recent university leavers just starting out in their careers and working in London. Residential demand is supported by a strong local economy in Kingston, led by consumer, professional services and technology sectors, with Unilever having opened its new HQ campus in Kingston Town Centre earlier this year. Construction of the eight storey co-living building is expected to start imminently. Once complete it will offer 200 en-suite studios at attractive rents that are inclusive of bills and will benefit from generous amenity spaces. Residents will enjoy access to a master-chef style kitchen and ground floor co-working spaces. A state-of-the-art leisure, catering and entertainment offer with a bar and restaurant, a residents’ lounge, cinema, fitness studio, a communal terrace and a games room, is included in the monthly rent. DFI is working to create a bespoke lifestyle brand tailored to the target market and will continue to explore opportunities in this sector, with a focus on key locations within and in close commute to central London. The investment responds to a growing number of young adults and private renters driving demand for affordable, flexible housing in a market where co-living remains undersupplied, with only c.7,000 operational beds across London. DFI was advised by Eversheds, Living for Life, Savills, PwC and Quartz. Francesco Orofino, Investment Director and Head of Hospitality at DFI, commented:“This is a compelling, off-market opportunity to invest in a high-demand, undersupplied sector that is still evolving in London, under a defensive deal structure. We are working with best-in-class architects, designers and sector experts to create a flexible, branded residential experience that appeals to young professionals through ample amenities, living and working spaces, at rents that offer discount to comparable rental housing. With only c. 7,000 co-living beds in the capital, we are bringing forward a high-quality, aspirational asset and one where we see real potential to replicate across the market.” Gavin Neilan, Founding Partner at DFI, added: “This latest investment builds on DFI’s strong track record of creating institutional grade living assets across Europe where we focus on assets supported by demand tailwinds, undersupply and operational expertise. This includes Blaekhus, a student accommodation platform comprising c. 1,200 student units, which DFI sold to PATRIZIA in 2022 for €314 million, as well as Mylo Living, a Danish flex living platform with a 350-unit asset in Copenhagen.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lovell Partnerships is preparing to start construction on the first phase of a major residential regeneration scheme in Horsham, transforming the former Novartis Pharmaceuticals campus into a new neighbourhood of around 450 homes. Work is expected to begin in October on Lovell’s 206-home development across the 2.72-hectare site, with the scheme combining new-build houses and apartments with the sensitive conversion of the site’s landmark 1930s Art Deco clock tower building. Designed by architect Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt, the development will retain the locally listed tower as the architectural centrepiece of the new neighbourhood, preserving an important part of the site’s pharmaceutical and industrial heritage. Around 35% of the 206 homes within the first phase will be affordable. The existing multi-storey wings positioned either side of the clock tower will be demolished due to significant structural problems and replaced by new five-storey apartment buildings. The retained Art Deco building itself will be converted to provide 51 apartments, with a further 155 new apartments and townhouses constructed across the site. The masterplan has been designed with a varied building scale to help integrate the development into the surrounding area. Heights will begin with two-storey homes along Parsonage Road before increasing to three-storey properties around a new central boulevard and landscaped public square. The main retained building will rise to four storeys with a set-back upper level, while the existing 24m-high clock tower will remain the tallest and most prominent feature of the development. Public realm and landscaping will also play an important role in the regeneration. A new tree-lined boulevard will run through the neighbourhood towards landscaped space in front of the restored Art Deco building, helping to establish the clock tower as a focal point for the wider scheme. Lovell’s development represents the first phase of the planned transformation of the former pharmaceuticals campus. Muse is progressing proposals for the eastern section of the site, which would add a further 244 homes and take the overall development to approximately 450 properties. All 244 homes proposed within the Muse phase are planned as affordable housing, supported by grant funding from Homes England. A separate planning application for this element of the regeneration is expected to be submitted. With Lovell preparing to move onto site in October, the redevelopment will mark the beginning of a significant new chapter for the former Novartis campus, combining heritage-led regeneration, new housing and affordable homes with landscaped public spaces to create a new residential neighbourhood in Horsham. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
CCL Facades has been appointed to deliver a major façade package at Bicycle Works, the 331-home residential development forming the first phase of Wolverhampton’s wider Smithgate regeneration. The specialist façade contractor will work alongside parent company and lead contractor Caddick Construction on the scheme, which is being delivered for English Cities Fund (ECF), the regeneration partnership between Homes England, L&G and Muse. Under the contract, CCL Facades will be responsible for the design, supply and installation of the doors, 400 sq m of curtain walling and 2,900 sq m of windows across the development’s three six-storey buildings. The package includes the installation of 1,324 individual windows. The appointment represents an important construction milestone for Bicycle Works as work progresses on the residential-led regeneration of this key Wolverhampton city centre site. Bicycle Works will provide 331 new homes and represents the opening phase of the much larger Smithgate masterplan. Once developed, the new mixed-use neighbourhood is expected to deliver up to 1,000 homes alongside new shops, amenities and public spaces, helping to create a vibrant new destination in the heart of Wolverhampton. CCL Facades is due to begin work on site in October and will collaborate with its specialist supply chain throughout delivery. The company will focus on high-quality design and innovative façade solutions, with sustainability forming an important part of its approach. The contract further strengthens CCL Facades’ presence across the Midlands and adds another substantial residential regeneration project to its growing portfolio. The contractor is also currently working on Cole Waterhouse’s flagship Upper Trinity Street regeneration development in Digbeth, Birmingham, further demonstrating its expanding role in major mixed-use and residential schemes across the region. With Caddick Construction leading delivery and CCL Facades undertaking a significant element of the building envelope, Bicycle Works is set to provide the first major residential component of the wider Smithgate transformation. The project will ultimately contribute to the creation of a new mixed-use city centre neighbourhood, combining hundreds of new homes with commercial amenities and improved public realm as Wolverhampton continues to attract investment into regeneration and residential development. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A major housing development is set to deliver 330 additional homes following a strategic re-plan and planning approval from Glasgow City Council. Set to be one of the largest regeneration schemes in the UK across multiple phases, top 10 UK housebuilder, Keepmoat, will increase its delivery from 834 homes to 1,164 at its flagship NorthBridge scheme. In late 2025, the housebuilder celebrated the success of its first phase at the site, located off Pinkston Road, which created 154 homes, enhanced and new transport links, green spaces and walking and cycling routes. Tim Metcalfe, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, Scotland said: “This is a significant milestone in seeing much needed homes moving forward for the area. We’re thrilled to have secured approval of our strategic re-plan for this transformative development to create much needed homes alongside the council. “At Keepmoat we’re committed to creating sustainable, multi-tenure communities that prioritise well designed neighbourhoods with high quality homes, green spaces and abundant connections into existing communities. “The NorthBridge project reflects our long-term commitment to the city and our ambition to create exceptional places to live alongside the council.” The developer is currently delivering phase two and three of the site, set to create 246 homes, with 41 homes designated for local housing association Wheatley Homes Glasgow (WHG). Councillor Ruairi Kelly, Convener for Housing and Development at Glasgow City Council, said: “This is welcome news for Sighthill as it continues its ongoing regeneration, and indeed the whole city. The building of a further 330 high-quality homes in a Glasgow neighbourhood that has been transformed in recent years will be an important part of what the council and its partners are working to do to make as many homes as possible available.” Keepmoat is a top 10 UK partnership homebuilder with a track-record of delivering quality homes in regions across the UK. To date, Keepmoat has built over 35,000 homes, transforming brownfield sites into thriving new communities. To find out more about Keepmoat, please visit: www.keepmoat.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals